bhp
performance & development
opportunities for Western Australian suppliers. The mine is expected to produce iron ore for more than 25 years.
COPPER BHP mines for copper in Chile and Peru, as well as Australia. For the nine months to March 2021, its Chilean assets experienced a substantial reduction in their operational workforces as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, a situation which is expected to continue for the remainder of the financial year. Copper production at Escondida decreased by eight per cent to 821 kt, as record concentrator throughput was offset by the impact of lower concentrator feed grade and lower cathode volumes. Concentrator throughput continues to be prioritised over cathode production as a result of the reduced operational workforce and to prioritise yield of ore. Copper production at Pampa Norte, also in Chile, decreased by 21 per cent to 149 kt, largely due to planned maintenance at Spence as well as the impact of a reduced operational workforce as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Olympic Dam BHP’s flagship copper operation, Olympic Dam, located 560 kilometres World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com
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